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STOP BRAIN POLLUTION IN ITS TRACKS

Emotional well-being and clear thinking are as vital to health as a fit, well-nourished body. Yet according to the World Health Organisation, mental health problems are fast becoming the number one health issue for the 21st century. Patrick shares on what “pollutes” the brain and how to protect it.

Nuclear brain waste

Your brain and nervous system are made up of essential fats, protein and phospholipids- all of which can be damaged by oxidants, sometimes called ‘free radicals’ that are a by-product of oxygen and of all combustion processes (smoking, radiation, exhaust fumes, frying and normal bodily processes).

Oxidants are the body’s equivalent of nuclear waste. When put like that, it makes the importance of getting rid of them much clearer. There may not be a lot you can do to avoid many pollutants, but you can protect your brain from the inside.

Antioxidants antidote

Antioxidants are the antidote to oxidants. Most important for the brain is the fat-based antioxidant, Vitamin E which are present in seeds, cold pressed seed oils and fish. Other vital antioxidants include Vitamin C, found in broccoli, peppers, kiwi fruit, berries, tomatoes and citrus fruit; Beta-carotene in carrots, sweet potatoes, dried apricots, squash and watercress; glutathione found in pulses, nuts, seeds, garlic and onions and anthocyanidins prevalent in berries, cherries, red grapes, beetroot and prunes.

You can also supplement an antioxidant formula containing all of these – Patrick Holford’s AGE ANTIOXIDANT® is a blend of potent nutrients that work synergistically to help neutralize free-radicals.